MP Pratap Simha & former MLA KG Bopaiah extend support for Kodagu forestry students' protest

Addressing the demonstrators, Mr. Simha expressed his support for their protest.

Ponnampet: On Friday, February 23, Pratap Simha, the Member of Parliament representing Kodagu-Mysuru, and K. G. Bopaiah, the former MLA of Virajpet, visited the protesting students at Forestry College in Ponnampet, Kodagu district. The students are advocating for the 100% recruitment of BSc Forest Graduates in the forest department.

Addressing the demonstrators, Mr. Simha expressed his support for their protest. He emphasized that the students' demand for 100% recruitment of BSc Forest Graduates in the forest department is legitimate, highlighting their specialization in the subject.

Mr. Simha said, "I will write to the Chief Minister on behalf of the students, urging him to thoroughly examine this matter and promptly address the issue soon."

Also Read: Kodagu forestry students protest for full recruitment in forest department

A student member of the Karnataka Forestry Graduates and Students Association said, "The Karnataka government introduced 50% reservation for the position of Assistant Conservator of Forests and Zonal Forest Officer in 2003. In 2012, the reservation for Zonal Forest Officer was increased to 75%. However, the new draft rules proposed in 2018 under the Karnataka Forest Department Services Amendment Rules suggest reducing the reservation for direct recruitment of BSc Forest Science graduates to the post of Zonal Forest Officer from 75% to 50%. We demand that this be increased back to 100%.”

Another student said, "After five years of hard work to complete our course, we are still unable to secure government positions. Most of us are still unemployed. We don't know what to do now? It is unfair for the government to ignore us in the employment process. We are left with no choice but to protest.”

The students urged the government to set B.Sc as the minimum qualification for Group A, Forest Conservator, Group B, and Group C positions, advocating for justice for B.Sc graduates.

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